“Do You Love Me?”

John 21:15-17

Introduction

1.      The Christian religion is reasonable, it is logical, and it is right

2.      Peter made a decision at the sea of Galilee which he later denied – something more was required if he were to serve Jesus as a faithful disciple

3.      Peter learned that he had to follow the truth instead of his feelings

4.      Today, we will consider what it really means to “love the Lord”  

Discussion

1.      The Biblical foundation for defining “love”

a.       2 Tim 3:16-17; John 16:13  

b.      There is a kind of love that might be described as “affection” – this describes a feeling that is never commanded – see Acts 20:36-38  

c.       There is a kind of love that obeys – this love, God has commanded – See Matt 22:37-39; John 14:15  

d.      This is the kind of love that is described in 1 Cor 13  

2.      God expects our love

a.       He expects our love because He loves us – Rom 5:8  

b.      He expects our love because we have made a commitment – Col 3:1-4 (based on 2:11-12)  

c.       He expects our love because He provides for our needs – Matt 6:25-33  

3.      The challenge that Jesus makes to Peter

a.       Peter made a decision to become a follower of Jesus at Capernaum – Luke 5:1-11  

b.      Peter denied that relationship while Jesus was on trial – Matt 26:69-75  

c.       Peter returned to his fishing – John 21:1-3  

d.      Jesus confronts Peter – John 21:15-17  

Conclusion

1.      If you have a love for the Lord (the love that is commanded) you will never depart

2.      If you follow Jesus only because it makes you “feel” good, you will quit

3.      Because Jesus died for you, you ought to be willing to lay down your life for him – that is what is meant in Rom 6:3-4